Effects of SRP Vaccine on Pre-Harvest Control of E. coli O157 in Feedlot Cattle

Findings: Cattle are a reservoir for E. coli O157:H7 and consequently, beef can become contaminated with this bacteria. The Center for Disease Control estimates that E. coli O157:H7 causes 73,000 illnesses in humans annually in the United States, resulting in over 2,000 hospitalizations and 60 deaths.
<P>Researchers at Kansas State University, in cooperation with scientists from Epitopix, LLC and funding from America�s Beef Producers, have conducted a study to examine the utilization of a novel vaccine technology to improve the safety of beef. Siderophore receptors and porin proteins (SRP®) located on the surface of bacteria allow iron to enter E. coli. E. coli need iron as much as humans need oxygen. Vaccinating against SRP decreases E. coli�s ability to acquire iron and the bacteria subsequently die.
<P>This study proved that vaccinating cattle with SRP technology decreased the fecal shedding of E. coli and decreased the carriage of E. coli on cattle. As a matter of fact, vaccinating with SRP E. coli vaccine reduced the percentage of cattle positive for E. coli by 60% relative to cattle given a placebo. SRP vaccine technology may be another tool for preventing food-borne illnesses resulting from E. coli O157:H7 contamination of beef products.